Director of Newton Music School Honored for Her Commitment to the School

Paulette Bowes, executive director of the All Newton Music School, received special recognition from the National Guild for Community Arts Education for her 35 years at the school.

Bowes joined the school in 1978, and became executive director in 1986. She has taught clarinet for 35 years at the school. This fall she received the 2013 Milestone Certificate of Appreciation

As one of her colleagues wrote: “Paulette has given her life, both personally and professionally, to tens of thousands of students, volunteers, faculty, staff and community members over 35 years of teaching clarinet and leading All Newton Music School. Her life-long commitment to arts education is a gift to so many and an inspiration to those around her.” 

During her tenure, the school’s student body has increased by 30 percent, the school’s endowment nearly tripled to $1.8 million, and the school’s offerings have been expanded substantially, according to an announcement from the school. She personally created the Summer Creative Arts Program for young children, designed numerous courses, presented hundreds of artists in concert and raised millions of dollars in financial aid, operating, capital projects, and outreach funds in an effort to eliminate financial barriers for all in the community.

Bowes have also advocated for children and adults with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities by creating one of the earliest subsidized music therapy programs in the country, according to the announcement. She expanded this program to include in-home therapy for non-mobile students. 

The National Guild of Community Arts Education recognized Paulette Bowes’ many achievements. To learn more about the National Guild, visit www.nationalguild.org.